Craccum is known for a lot of things. Our weekly horoscopes, crossword mishaps, interesting illustrations, and… girly content? We recently got some feedback saying that our magazine is really hard to relate to as a “dude”. Perhaps not a surprise, considering our editorial team largely consists of women writers, and we frequently have a lot of women contributors wanting to write or illustrate for the magazine.
But it is news to us that “anything and everything” in our magazine is gendered and specifically feminine. Maybe it is considered feminine because we, women, are the ones writing these articles? After quickly perusing the content that we’ve published so far this year, probably about a quarter of all of it has been explicitly or somewhat related specifically and exclusively to women’s issues and interests. It’s almost like most issues and interests are inherently gender-neutral!
But we will admit, it’s true—everyone knows that men are the least represented of the genders. Wah, how could we thoughtlessly leave behind this marginalised group of society? Can you guys also hear that? It’s the sound of tiny violins. Nah but for real, we know for a fact that many of our readers are, in fact, men, and there’s plenty in our pages for all readers. What, you don’t like art, news, or music? Sorry, we forgot how girly those things are despite them being male-dominated fields for most of modern history.
Perhaps it’s also worth considering that student media has traditionally championed diverse representation. So what if the magazine isn’t relatable to you, specifically? Why not read some different content? Scared you’ll learn something? Because it turns out being exposed to different viewpoints and interests is—shock—actually beneficial, which happens to be the theme of this week’s Feature’s section. And isn’t broadening our perspectives a commonly cited reason for going to university in the first place? So, perhaps it’s not the worst thing in the world that Craccum doesn’t cater to one specific population—we’re not the New Zealand Herald, after all.
It’s difficult to create content that’s relatable for everyone—it’s probably impossible to do so because there are so many different viewpoints out there. But that’s why we encourage you all to come write for us, or talk to us about something that matters to you. As a student publication that relies on contributors to fill the mag, we’re appreciative of the contributions we get. If you feel underrepresented, let’s change that! Unless you’re a straight cis-white dude with a victim complex who wants to talk about that victim complex. Again, turn on NewsTalk ZB or something. There’s plenty of other media out there for you already.
XOXO
Arohanui,
Flora Xie (she/her) and Naomii Seah (she/they).
Letter to the Editor
Hey there,
I was just wondering when the content of the Craccum would ever be something that I find worth reading. Like put some sports or fish or some shit. As a dude I feel it is so hard to relate to anything and everything that is involved with the magazine.
— Concerned Marine Science Student
Have thoughts you want to share with us? Send your own Letters to the Editor at editor@craccum.co.nz!
